To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to make mandatory grants for payment to protect houses against radon.

[holding answer 7 June 1993]: No. Local authorities have powers under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 to award discretionary renovation grants to help home owners with radon remedial measures. The Government consider it appropriate for authorities to determine the need to grant aid such work in the light of local circumstances and priorities.